We have dozens of activities for you to select from when you arrive at the house, all displayed on our special attractions board. Our location just south of the Savoie-Isere border and inside the Chartreuse national park means there are literally hundreds of ways to spend your time. Listed below is a selection divided into three categories - leisure, attractions and towns/cities.

Leisure

Parc Naturel Régional de Chartreuse

"The Jewel of the Alps." You're right on the doorstep of a national park with all the activities you could wish for surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery without the throngs of tourists. Winter sports, museums, caves, cuisine tasting, it's all here. Click here for an English language brochure of activities.

Distance by Car: 27 Minutes
Website: http://www.parc-chartreuse.net/

Cycling in the Chartreuse

The popularity of cycling in the Chartreuse is attested to by the fact that there are often more cyclists than there are cars on the roads surrounding Montchâteau! Visit the website below for routes and maps or simply create your own trail between the well-signposted villages in the immediate area.

Distance by Car: 0 Minutes
Website: http://www.grenoblecycling.com/....

Skiing in the Chartreuse

There are eight ski/snowboarding resorts in the Chartreuse national park, with the nearest being Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse. Hit the piste without suffering the crowds of the bigger venues, although if you do wish to travel a little further, the world's largest ski resort, Les Trois Vallées, is 1h 40 minutes away.

Distance by Car: 34 Minutes
Website: http://www.chartreuse-tourisme.com/....

Lac d'Aiguebelette

Lac d'Aiguebelette has a striking turquoise color that will have you instantly enchanted. There are breathtaking views of this peaceful lake from the church at St. Alban de Montbel and several nice restaurants along the edge. Rock climbing, paddle boats, canoeing, and many more activities are available.

Distance by Car: 33 Minutes
Website: http://www.lac-aiguebelette.com/....

Lac de Paladru

Formed by the glacier of the Rhône and at the heart of the mountains of the Chartreuse massif, Paladru is the fifth largest natural lake in France. Enjoy fishing, swimming, sailing, boating, biking, hiking and much more in this relaxed setting. Discover Ars, the sunken city.

Distance by Car: 26 Minutes
Website: http://www.paladru.fr/....

Lac du Bourget

The largest lake in France. Crowned by the Dent du Chat, the lake is surrounded by pretty and exciting towns like Aix-les-Bains and Chambery. Enjoy great restaurants along with a plethora of gentle or challenging activities such as paragliding, jet-skiing, boat trips, or relaxing on the beach.

Distance by Car: 44 Minutes
Website: http://www.savoie-mont-blanc.com/....

Annecy

The beautiful town of Annecy, surrounded by its fabulous lake, is an alpine wonder. Take a stroll around the old town for charming little shops and restaurants. Take a gentle trip on the lake in a paddle boat and stare up at the mountains in serenity and bliss. Hiking, cycling, and water sports abundant.

Distance by Car: 58 Minutes
Website: http://www.lac-annecy.com/gb/

Relax at Montchâteau

If you yearn for a more laid-back holiday, you are welcome to enjoy our panoramic terrace and use of our BBQ, or sunbathe in the garden. You can also play table tennis or table football. Alternatively, you can make use of the lounge and read a book or relax in your room watching television.

Distance by Car: 0 Minutes
Website: http://www.montchateau.com

Ruines de Château de Saint-Sixte

Walk for 20 minutes along the path in the woods behind our house and you'll soon stumble across the ruined Château of Saint-Sixte. The mansion was burned down by the Nazis in 1944 as a reprisal attack against the French Resistance who lived there. Good views are available from the forest.

Distance by Walking: 20 Minutes
Website: http://ruinestsixte.e-monsite.com/

Attractions

Château de Longpra

This charming 700 year-old moated château has been the cradle of the same family for five centuries. See the opulent interior and also take time to enjoy the landscaped gardens. The château also hosts workshops and live music. Longpra is located in the picturesque village of Saint Geoire-en-Valdaine.

Distance by Car: 15 Minutes
Website: http://www.longpra.com/en/

Walibi Theme Park

This is a great day out for kids and adults alike. Located in a natural environment spanning 35 hectares, you'll discover rollercoasters, thrill rides, water attractions and much more to keep the little ones entertained. There is also a mini-farm, adventure course, as well as several restaurants and shops.

Distance by Car: 41 Minutes
Website: http://www.walibi.com/rhone-alpes/fr-fr
Musée de la Grande Chartreuse

Situated in the heart of the serene Parc de Chartreuse at almost 2,000 meters altitude, this museum tells the story of the 900-year-old Carthusian order. Sample the taste of Chartreuse liqueur, produced by the monks in the caves of the monastery, and take in the sumptuous views.

Distance by Car: 34 Minutes
Website: http://musee-grande-chartreuse.fr/

Le Domaine Des Fauves

Land of wild beasts! This is another fun day out if you have children. More than 150 different animals and 60 different species, including lions, tigers, panthers, pumas, wolves, monkeys, rare birds and more. There is also a shop, snack bar, picnic area and games.

Distance by Car: 30 Minutes
Website: http://www.le-domaine-des-fauves.fr

Musée de Grenoble

Enjoy a mix of both ancient and contemporary art as well as antiques in this highly regarded fine arts venue. From ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman artifacts to prestigious French paintings and European works, the exhibits span eight centuries and include works by Picasso, Rembrandt, and Zurbarán.

Distance by Car: 40 Minutes
Website: http://www.museedegrenoble.fr/

Vertige Adventures (Bungee Jumping)

If you're looking for some real heart-pounding excitement, Vertige Adventures gives you the opportunity to try bungee jumping from the 103 foot Ponsonnas Bridge, with the peaks of the Oisans, the Vercors and Dévoluy in full view. This is certain to get the adrenaline pumping!

Distance by Car: 38 Minutes
Website: http://www.vertige38.com/

Musée de la Résistance

This highly recommended museum tells the story of the brave resistance fighters in the region who defended their communities against Nazi occupation during World War II. Lots of interesting exhibitions all delivered in a high quality modern setting make this a must for history buffs.

Distance by Car: 40 Minutes
Website: http://www.resistance-en-isere.fr/

Cellars of Chartreuse

Visit the longest liqueur cellar in the world, and the distillery of the Chartreuse Monks. Guided tours of the cellars are free and include a visit to the cellars, a film-showing and a complimentary liqueur tasting. Located in the nearby town of Voiron.

Distance by Car: 20 Minutes
Website: http://www.chartreuse.fr/

Museum d'Histoire Naturelle

Grenoble's Natural History Museum contains hundreds of thousands of objects related to the fields of botany, zoology, geology, and ethnology. Situated in a peaceful botanical garden, exhibitions include information about how the alps were formed, dinosaurs, extinct species and strange insects. Free for children.

Distance by Car: 40 Minutes
Website: http://www.museum-grenoble.fr/

Château de Vizille (French Revolution Museum)

This beautiful 14th century château houses many famous paintings borrowed from reputed galleries around the world including the Louvre which depict the French Revolution. You can also tour the sumptuous interior of the mansion or walk around its pleasant 320 acre park and lake. Entry is free for all.

Distance by Car: 52 Minutes
Website: http://www.domaine-vizille.fr

"La Caprine" Fromagerie

Our neighbour Stéphane runs a Fromagerie where you can buy many different varieties of delectable goats cheese at very reasonable prices. A selection is also available with your breakfast. It won't take you long to get there either, it's just a 2 minute walk up the path.

Distance by Walking: 2 Minutes
Website: http://achetonsdirect.com/....

Towns & Cities

Grenoble

Known as the "Capital of Alps," Grenoble is a vibrant city with a legacy stretching back over 2,000 years. Visit the Bastille, the Musee de la Resistance or browse the many boutique shops in town. Venture a little south and see the stunning Vercors Plateau with its historical World War II significance.

Distance by Car: 39 Minutes
Website: http://www.grenoble-tourism.com/

Lyon

France's second city after Paris, Lyon is loved for its historical and architectural landmarks. Visit Vieux Lyon, a World Heritage Site, enjoy the hugely popular Tete d'Or park or take in some history at Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere. Watch Champions League football at the Stade de Gerland.

Distance by Car: 70 Minutes
Website: http://www.en.lyon-france.com/....
Aix-Les-Bains

Perched on the edge of the Lac du Bourget, this pretty and relaxed spa town boasts a plethora of health, beauty and wellness centers. If you prefer something more interactive, there's all the sports you could wish for, art museums, boat tours, and the historic Abbaye d'Hautecombe (pictured).

Distance by Car: 49 Minutes
Website: http://www.aixlesbains.com/....

Geneva

Leave after breakfast and you can be in Switzerland well before lunchtime. Enjoy a day out in one of the world's most renowned cities. Visit the lovely unspoiled old town, stroll on the lakeside, and then choose from an array of cultural sites, including Cathedrale de St-Pierre, or the famous Jet d'Eau.

Distance by Car: 90 Minutes
Website: http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/....

Restaurants

There are several restaurants within a comfortable driving distance in the surrounding villages, or you can drive 20 minutes to the town of Voiron and enjoy a wide selection. Listed below are the nearest restaurants.